Floods Damage Nearly 2 Lakh Hectares of Crops in Punjab
Severe floods have damaged more than 1.92 lakh hectares of standing kharif crops in Punjab, the state government reported. Officials warned that the upcoming rabi season could also be hit due to soil erosion and disrupted sowing schedules.
Districts Worst Affected
The worst-hit districts include Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Fazilka, Patiala, Kapurthala, and Firozpur. Farmers in these areas have reported heavy losses, particularly in paddy fields, including basmati varieties.
Crop Loss Breakdown
Out of Punjab’s cultivable land of about 42.4 lakh hectares, nearly 35.80 lakh hectares are under foodgrains and cotton. Officials estimate that around 85% of the damage is to paddy, followed by 10% to cotton, with the rest affecting horticulture, fodder, and pulses.
Rabi Season Impact
Floods have caused erosion and silt deposits in fields, which may make it harder to prepare seedbeds for the rabi crop cycle. This is expected to delay sowing and could lower yields if remedial steps are not taken quickly.
